Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

PVG in 20 seconds

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (IATA: PVG, ICAO: ZSPD) is the primary international air gateway for Shanghai and a major aviation hub in Asia. It handles the majority of the city's international flights, serving as a critical link between China and the rest of the world for both passenger and cargo traffic. Opened on October 1, 1999, the airport was constructed to relieve pressure on the older Shanghai Hongqiao Airport.

7.7/10

Mostly positive

What travelers love

Cleanliness and Modern Facilities: Many travelers commend the airport's overall cleanliness, modern design, and well-maintained toilets.
Ample Seating and Water Access: Reviewers often mention the availability of plentiful seating, including armrest-free options for resting, and readily accessible cool/hot water dispensers throughout the terminals.
Excellent Transportation Connections: PVG offers robust public transport links, including the incredibly fast Maglev train to Longyang Road Station (7-8 minutes) and direct connections via Metro Line 2. Free shuttle buses also connect terminals and long-term parking areas.
Spaciousness: The airport's large size is sometimes seen as a positive, offering quiet spots for relaxation and making it easy to find uncrowded areas.

Common complaints

Rude and Unhelpful Staff: A frequent and significant complaint is about the attitude of airport staff, particularly at customs and immigration, who are often described as rude, unhelpful, or even intimidating.
Long Security and Immigration Wait Times: Many travelers report excessively long queues and slow processing times for security checks, immigration, and check-in, often exceeding an hour. Security procedures are described as rigorous and sometimes excessive, involving detailed bag checks and pat-downs. Current security wait times can be around 91 minutes, and passport control around 89 minutes.
Confusing Transit Process: Passengers transiting through PVG frequently report a chaotic and unclear process, sometimes requiring them to go through immigration, collect luggage, and re-check-in and clear security even for connecting flights, often without clear guidance.
Limited Food, Beverage, and Shopping Options: Many reviews highlight a scarcity of diverse food and beverage options, especially in certain terminals or late at night, with some areas described as having very few shops or eateries open.
Restricted Wi-Fi and Lack of Charging Points: The airport's Wi-Fi is often reported as difficult for foreigners to access or largely restricted to Chinese websites, requiring a VPN for broader internet use. Some travelers also note a lack of accessible charging points.

Bottom line: Shanghai Pudong International Airport presents a paradox for travelers. While it boasts impressive modern infrastructure and efficient transport links, the passenger experience is often marred by frustratingly long queues, stringent and sometimes inconsistent security protocols, and frequently reported issues with staff courtesy and helpfulness, particularly for international and transit passengers.

AirportRoutes · updated Feb 19, 2026

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New & changed departures

14 changes to PVG's schedule in the last 90 days.

+14 net routes in 12 months

TransNusa begins PVG → Mabalacat — flying 3 days a week. New route

First seen Jun 22, 2026 · detected Jun 22

Viva Air begins PVG → Krasnoyarsk — flying 2 days a week on the Boeing 737-800. New route

First seen Jun 20, 2026 · detected Jun 22

China Eastern Airlines begins PVG → Adelaide — flying 3 days a week on the Airbus A350-900. New route

First seen Jun 20, 2026 · detected Jun 22

Lufthansa begins PVG → Hyderabad. New route